Looking for answers to life's questions

I was waiting for the final verdict on many things last time I sat down to write. You know how things come in threes, well that doesn’t always work for me. This time it was in a group of four. In a two week period, the engine in my car decided that 84,000 miles was all it had in it. I think it got some junk in the engine and it wanted a cleaner diet. So Wednesday afternoon my car was ready… finally. It hums along nicely and I have a new 7 year, or 70,000 mile warranty on it. Guess which it will be. Was it worth it? When you realize that a new car would have been the price of many engines and a used car will come with its own problems, I can say emphatically, yes!

It’s a working truck all the time.

I was also waiting for the eye appointment to figure out why my vision has blurred so much after the recent eye lid lift. The goal had been to get more vision, not less. The ophthalmologist did such a thorough exam that I could see almost nothing when I left her office. There was nothing pathological going on with the vision. No macular or retinal problems. The surgery had healed well and peripheral vision was markedly better. So the unknown blurriness has continued with varying degrees. Further searching for a solution will be required. New glasses are also on the to-do list.

Disappearing 4 patches. Something else I’ve never done

I’ve never done any applique. Buttons will go in the center of some flowers after quilting. Another for a group member

My TV that had been having freak outs, finally lost it while scarring me half to pieces. I was ready to opt for no TV. The silly thing was not even 6 years old and had been in and out of storage depending on if I had a place of my own to live or not. Yes, it’s been that kind of decade. So my son decided to buy the new TV since his had not survived his move. He had help packing.

miniature apron in vintage fabric

The second mini apron for a fellow quilter

Last but not least, my refrigerator started leaking water behind it again. Manufactured homes don’t do well with water leaks. We had already tried a new motor but the fridge was 14 years old, not ten like I had “assumed”. So off to the discount appliance store we went. For half of what I paid for a fridge in 1998, I got a perfectly wonderful new one that will not leak, ruining flooring and walls in the process. I scored a good deal and it will add to resale value here should the need arise. I am old after all. Energy Trust got the old one to recycle properly.

These were the most fun for my quilt group member and neighbor.

The eyes, engine, TV, and fridge are finally managed and I’ve still managed to get a few projects finished. I can now enjoy the autumn weather that is peaking around the corner. Is your summer over and ending on a high note or just beginning? Are you ready for the change of seasons?

We each got 2 to make for a quilter in our group. A dozen of these will be so cute

Comments on: "In Search of the Results" (62)

What a time you have had of it Marlene! And yet it seems that everything has been successfully resolved – well, maybe the blurry vision still needs some attention…….. but I am sure that too will resolve – some things just take some time [or maybe a new pair of glasses] 🙂

Despite the blurry vision you have been creating some amazing looking quilted pieces! I love the little aprons, they look so pretty! The applique is also catching my eye and I love the fact you will place buttons in the centre of the flowers.

I hope life will continue smoothly for you from now on dear friend – a nice new TV to keep you amused as the days draw in I can imagine you sitting and stitching and viewing for many happy hours!! xoxo

Thanks, Pauline. The kid uses the TV as a very large monitor for his photographs. Helps him see any imperfections that need cleaning up before they are turned over. I watch very little and am usually doing handwork or computer work at the same time. I love the TV for Christmas movies and then I’m done for the year.:)) Everyone seems to love the little aprons. I want to make some for myself too. These go to a quilt group member. She was partial to vintage prints. I’m going to make some from Christmas prints. As soon as I catch up. I think the blurry is weight and stress related. I’ve filled my plate to full, figuratively and literally. 😦

The weight thing is hard isn’t it! I try to concentrate on good health these days and forget the rest! I don’t do stress any more – it made me ill 🙂 I do hope you are putting yourself first and seeing to the things that are most important to you. If you don’t, nobody else will.

I use my TV as a giant computer screen too – it is great. but I also watch different kinds of programmes on you tube and movies on Netflix and of course I keep up with Dancing with the Stars and other related programmes just because I love dance! And I need to put my feet up and relax in the evening nowadays!

With all the other problems done and dusted it is definitely time to look after you. Please do. I’ll be sending you lots of love and self care xoxo

Hello Herself,
What a wowser of a time you’ve been having. I’m astonished that you’ve achieved so much with all that going on.Happy motoring, viewing and …er …eating! I love those mini aprons. Can I pinch the idea for Christmas presents?
love,
ViV

Haha. Pinch away. I’m pinching it myself one day soon. I’d like to make myself some with the ton of Christmas fabrics I have. I don’t get to keep these projects. They were my practice. 🙂 By doing things for others that I’ve never done before, I learn more about what I like and what I can do. They are lined on the back with the lace in between. I’m thinking the vision problem is stress for all the things I’m dealing with at once. I’m in over my head here.

Soon. After tomorrow I have a month for the next projects to get done. Painting the house has resumed bit by bit. I have 4 dry days then I’m done for the season. Anything else will be left undone. Thanks for stopping by.

Summer is over here and it ended the way I wanted to. I decided to keep summer light, not commit to much, not to work too hard, but to get outdoors and be in nature as much as possible and relax. Yes, it ended on a high note. I am never truly ready for winter, the best way for me to do so, is to have an escape plan. I will need a holiday somewhere warm to get through the next few months. I think bear’s really have it down right – hibernation. That’s the secret to managing winter from my perspective.

An escape plan is always good if you don’t do winter well. I like to crawl into my cave and hibernate all winter. It’s called the sewing room and lots of work is waiting that I never get to in the summer. But I love cold, brisk air as long as I never have to shovel snow again. We each have a preference and ways of coping. I love the diversity of people. Where do you go in winter?

I haven’t had the luxury of being able to get away for the last few winters, but my favourite haunt was Costa Rica. I have some friends who are wintering in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico so I think I may seek solace and sunshine there this year.

Wow, lots going on…I am glad things are managed but yikes for when they all come down.

I am so happy it is feeling somewhat autumnal here…finally. Of course, it is going to be warmer again later this week, but as long as the humidity stays far, far away then I can deal with it for a bit longer. I just hope I have time to take some autumn color pictures before all the leaves fall; the downside to this back and forth weather. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by. I’m ready for things to get quiet too. The cooler weather makes everything more bearable for me. I don’t do heat. I had a good time with the mini aprons too. I’d like to make some for myself out of Christmas fabrics now that I have the pattern. I think she is going to make like a bunting of them over the kitchen windows or something like that. They were fun.

The leaves here are already long gone. They went fast as we had some fearful winds. I’m sure snow won’t be too far behind, but for now am enjoying our Indian Summer.
I sure hope your vision clears up soon. Goodness that must be frustrating. Looks like you have gotten done lots of projects though. Love them all! I think the mini aprons are adorable!

When it rains, it pours…eh? Sorry you’ve had so many struggles lately. I hope you have some calm and smooth sailing for a while, Marlene. As for the blurred vision. Recently I had major issues with my vision, in spite of a good eye exam. I wear bifocal, can’t see without them, but even wearing them, everything was out of focus. I started using an OTC eye drop for dry eyes and it’s amazing how clear everything has become. Love your aprons!

I was looking for some drops the other day and the darn store moved them. New glasses are on the list in the next couple of weeks. Just making sure all swelling is gone first. I forgot about the deck catching fire and having to replace that too in late August. It’s almost comical. Glad I have a good sense of humor. Thanks for stopping by. Aren’t you glad it’s not happening to you? :)))

Darn those new-fangled appliances. I’m sorry this is all hitting at once. I’m glad you managed to get the car/truck fixed before the inclement weather sets in, and that you’ll have a nice TV for Christmas movie viewing when the time comes. It seems the fridge was yet another in a long line of things not taken care of by the prior owner. I’m happy to read that the price of the new one was half of what you paid in 1998. Good deal.

I’m sorry that your vision remains blurry. That’s got to be worrisome, though I wonder, as Pauline says, if new glasses might just be the ticket since nothing else is systemically wrong? I know, I know…one more thing to deal with. I hope this is it through the last of the year.

Our fall is easing in slowly. We had a touch of rain this morning and now have windy skies. The rest of the week shows another warming trend. I’m glad fall is settling in for you, Marlene. Good luck with the last of the exterior painting. xox

I’ll show photos of the painting soon. I won’t get it all done this year but hey, gotta leave something for next summers list..:) Yes, new glasses are on the list. Wanted complete healing first. I’ve been researching already. Life is just keeping us on our toes.

You must have the strongest arm and chest muscles, Marlene, after all the painting you’ve done this season. How is your neck holding up?

I’m glad the rain is coming soon, allowing you to focus on some of your beloved indoor projects like reading, quilting, sewing and the like.

I’m stockpiling books and magazines for my recovery time, but don’t know yet what I’ll be up for craft wise with my foot elevated. It might be too challenging at first to gather together what I need. I am going to color though. I’ve got my markers ready to go. xox

Good for you. I think we get those times of recovery to give us time to play with things we wouldn’t normally get to play with. I love winter like most don’t. I guess I’ve learned to appreciate the best of all seasons. Summer is the hardest for me as heat makes me very ill. I”m glad you have stockpiled plenty to keep you busy while you recuperate. The laptop connections will help the most. .

I don’t like the heat either, Marlene, so I can completely relate. It’s always easier to get warmer, but near impossible to escape an oppressive heat. I’m fair-skinned and freckled and really belong in the British Aisles. Instead I’m in San Jose, home of the post-90 degree heat waves. Ugh.

The compresses haven’t helped your vision yet? You must be3 thrilled to have your car back to help with the merry-go-round furnishings. 🙂

It’s always something isn’t it? TV’s and fridges in one months time, you’ve been having a streak that needs to come to a sudden stop!

You amaze me with your quilting. How I wish I was half as good but that’s what makes the world interesting, we all have our own strengths. The aprons gave me an idea for the girls to play dress up in, so thanks. I will soon be removing more of the kitchen cabinets and decided to make a kitchen out of them, aprons would be cute to finish off the imaginative play.

You are quite welcome. Everyone loves the aprons. I’m going to have to make more myself for me. I’m not that fond of vintage fabrics but those were made for someone else. I do have fabric left so I may try a few. I never want to do applique again. If you could see closely, you would realize I’m not the grand quilter. Just determined to try everything. I’m learning quickly what I can not do. I think next year I’ll devote more time to finishing my own projects. It’s getting deep in there. 🙂 I would be adding cabinets to my kitchen but then there aren’t that many in there. Your grand kids will all like a mini kitchen to play in.

Sounds like you’ve gotten quite a lot fixed lately! Let’s hope this is it for some time. Everything seems to stop working at the same time just to test us in some way. I don’t have a car or TV, but I’m sure if one thing in my apartment stops working it will be followed by a few other items. Hope the new glasses might help your vision. Your projects look really good!

Thanks so much. The projects were all first time challenges. Yes, a lot of things needed to be fixed that I was hoping would wait awhile. Oh well. We need a car here as everything is spread out and though we have some public transport, it’s just not good enough. I could live without TV, my son cannot. He uses it for a large monitor for his photographs as much as to watch shows in HD. He’s very visual. Lets hope this is it for awhile.

Oh Marlene…you have had a run of needing to replace things!! I have also…but mine were n of the thought variety…time to replace some old thinking with new thinking 😉 I’m sorry to hear your eye is still blurry…and pray for it to clear soon! Many blessings dear friend…oh…and prayed your quilts are fantastic! !! ♡♡

Thanks so much Lorrie. Changing the thinking is actually more work than changing an engine or the house color. First we have to be aware of what we are allowing to race through our minds all day.Right now I’m thinking I’m still tired and want to go back to bed. :))) Or maybe I just need some coffee. Have a wonderful day. Life is in session.

I had to laugh at those. My quilting friend was showing me how to lay them out but somehow things didn’t look right. A bit of closer attention brought a rearranging after ripping out and I know now that you must watch those little pieces very carefully. They will shift position if you turn your back. Every one of those projects were for someone else and something I had never done before. Talk about stretching the comfort zone. Thanks for stopping by.

They say things come in Three’s Marlene, but it looks as if you are now on top of yours.. I think this last month has been a time for things to go wrong. My own Washing machine gave up the ghost too and it was only 5 yrs old. they do not make things to last these days.. I gave my Son a perfectly good washing machine 8 yrs ago when he moved out and I changed my kitchen which is still going which must be at 10 yrs old now.. So I bought the same brand as that one.. ( Fingers crossed its lasts as long )..

Hope your glasses is all that is the problem with your eyes Marlene.. I am sending healing thoughts your way and hope they soon clear.. and the quilting is lovely..

Thanks so much Sue. Yes, it’s been a summer for the record books. They don’t make things the way they were made before. I have 2 sewing machines of the same brand. One is over 10 years old and will sing and dance around the newer one. I’ve been ready to drop the new one off a high bridge many times. Had it too long to take it back. The washer that was in the house kept eating up clothes so I donated it to someone who had no washer for free. We brought my sons out of storage last week and hooked it up. It’s not good for them to sit too long and his had been there over 9 months. It’s running fine. I’m hoping the glasses fix things too. Had a good day of rest today. The weather is perfect. What more can you ask for? 😉 Hugs, M

Good to know Marlene, 🙂 on all counts.. and my thoughts are with yours over your glasses.. I had problems with my glasses last year, they just couldnt get the vari-focal right and I kept taking them back until they did.. I never hardly complain.. but when you pay lots for eye glasses you expect to see through them 😀 .. xx Take it easy over the weekend.. I have come on here for an hour for a rest!. LOL.. xx

Hey ho Marlene! Glad to hear everything is on the upswing and you got the bases covered. Hopefully, all will be quiet on the appliance front for a while. Don’t they almost seem disposable now? Sometimes, it’s just best to let your hair down and go with the flow.

Sorry to hear about your eye hon. That’s a bit disappointing for sure. Will they send you to another specialist to figure it out? What’s your next step? I’m thinking I’m ready for new glasses myself. There’s things at work I can’t read, it seems like the print is too small. It just takes time to get to an appointment and then pick out glasses. I might just get new lenses in these frames.

Looks like you’re really burning up the sewing room, right on! I love my Miss Kitty machine so much. I just feel happy looking at it too. It sews really nice. I made a kitty bandana for a friend of mine.

How does that quilt club work? Do you take turns getting a quilt? Does one person buy the fabrics and make the kits? It wouldn’t seem as daunting when you only need to make two squares. I like the polka dot patterned ones. I always like polka dot. It’s vintage but trendy at the same time. Like, never out of style. Just like you! You’re one cool mama xoxox k

The quilt group meets every month and we bring our own projects to work on. It gives us a day of sewing with friends and we each have our own table in the church basement that is loaned to us for the price of one quilt a year. We all make squares for that quilt and we all make squares every other month that goes to a charity organization. This year it’s the Safe house for women and children hiding from abuse. We did quilts for foster kids last year. Everyone is involved and the more expert sewers put the quilts together from our squares. This month I brought hand embroidery to work on because I was tired and not feeling up to par. It’s more chocolate and conversation time and I learn so much.
I’m glad you like your machine. I thought it sewed quite well and it didn’t frustrate my niece who is quite bright.(brilliant). :)) She learned to quilt on it.
Most of the appliances were at least 10 years old and not well cared for. I was hoping for one more year. Stove will be next. It works but it’s worn out. The fridge was older than the house by 4 years.
The eye still concerns me. I’ll work it out. I may go to an independent rather than through my insurance. They tend to be in a hurry and not care. It will cost me but be worth it in the end.

Hey Marlenie-kins, here we are at Friday again. Da-ham where’d that week go? Your quilt group sounds like a fun outing and very community minded, Bravo! I met this gal at a laundry mat a few years back (sister of the owner), she had a giant machine that quilted hand made quilts. She was a very accomplished quilt maker and sometimes did it for other quilters too. I like when they’re all top stitched into a pattern. Can you imagine the old days when it was all by hand? I can’t even get a button on without knotting up the thread, LOL ta ta 4 now xox K

Ah, you are talking about a long arm machine. My last husband wanted me to try that. That was not where I wanted to go. I have no ih deea where this da ham week went. Where did the whole da ham month go??? The treadmill of life is on race again. Have a wonderful weekend. :))) Lots of hugs.

I know what you mean about the month. I was just saying to Alys, it doesn’t seem like I was in California THIS month. Da’ham is right! That’s how Laurie, our friend in West Virginia says it. She also says, “what now?” frequently, which I also like to mimic. She’s so ‘da-hang’ cute. Ya’all have nightly cute accents in America xoox k

The deeper south you go, the deeper the southern drawl. When I moved to Georgia from Germany, I swore they didn’t speak English there. I almost failed the grade again. If the teacher wrote the instructions on the board, I knew what she wanted, if she spoke them, I was lost. You eventually learn, assimilate and adapt. I can put it on in a heartbeat when I go south, and drop it just as quickly. But it is so cute, isn’t it? 🙂 Giant hugs. (((()))))

Gosh Marlene, well done on coping with all of those things at once! Am holding thumbs that your eyes sort themselves out – look after yourself! Your new fridge will be much more energy efficient. It’s Spring where I live and although I love Winter here (it’s not cold, it’s lovely), everything is blossoming beautifully as we had good winter rains (for a change). So the island’s looking beautiful and I have fresh blossoms each day. Keep well!

Thanks for popping by, Clare. I did not realize you were in the southern hemisphere. Good to know you had good rain there. We have been quite short here. The eye will sort itself out, I’m sure given time. There is no choice but to cope with what comes at you. Meltdowns are never pretty so I opt out of them. There is a bright side to everything. My car never left me on the side of the road, the fridge kept the food cold till a new one arrived and the TV quit while there was nothing on anyway. As for the eyes, now I know they are quite healthy even though I have always had limited vision. Holding thumbs is an interesting expression.We used to say something like that in German when I was growing up. I’m fascinated.:)

My guess is 7 years vs. 70,000 miles. It’s a work truck, after all. SO so glad you have your truck back, with a sparkling new motor. Thank goodness TS was around with a car in the meantime (and allowed us to have a date at Gustav’s finally).

I am really intrigued by the disappearing squares. Almost makes me think of an Escher sketch since you did them in black and white. And for heaven’s sakes, how can you do so much quilting while your vision has gone ka-blewy? It is frustrating for me (not as much as for you) to hear that you went to have the blurriness problem examined, and no one is able to explain it. Jeez Louise. Vision is so important. I can’t believe you are dealing with this still. It was supposed to be a gift to yourself to get that surgery. Well, there is hope yet that it will resolve.

You have had a lot on your plate this year. A lot. And all the while you keep a great attitude and your heart is filled with love. You are certainly the kind of woman I aspire to be.

You are too kind, Crystal. I think I’ve got a handle on what may be wrong. Also a doctors appt. It’s been especially frustrating which is why I’m having to pedal back a bit. I’ll let you know when I know something. Stress plays a big part in anything. Your kind words are deeply appreciated. Helps me keep going. I’m glad we had a chance to visit before work took over your life again. Hope you get some time for yourself soon. Giant squishy hugs. 🙂